Wilted Bloom

Maya dragged both boys through the front entrance of the dorms, All Might lingered behind, shaking his head with an exasperated yet fond sigh. He knew those two needed to work things out, but perhaps not through reckless midnight brawls.

Bakugo, despite all his efforts, couldn't break free of Maya's grip, his scowl deepening with every step. Midoriya, on the other hand, simply looked like a kicked puppy, accepting his fate without resistance. When they finally stepped into the dorm lobby, both boys froze.

Shota was standing there, arms crossed, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto them.

He didn't say anything at first, but his expression alone was enough to make the atmosphere ten times heavier. His gaze flickered between Midoriya and Bakugo, then up to Maya, taking in the way she was still holding both boys by the ears. The sheer irritation on her face said everything.

Maya let out a heavy sigh, finally letting go and stepping back. "I swear if I turn my back for five seconds, five seconds, one of you is either fighting or breaking something."

Shota's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Explain."

Midoriya gulped. "Um..."

Shota's eyes narrowed. "I already know what happened. All Might filled me in. I want to hear you say it."

Midoriya swallowed thickly before hesitantly admitting, "Bakugo challenged me... and I fought him."

Bakugo clicked his tongue in annoyance but didn't deny it. "Yeah. And?"

Shota's face remained impassive, but his voice carried a dangerous edge. "You two decided that after everything that's happened—the attack on the training camp, the provisional exams, All Might's retirement—the best way to deal with your problems was to beat the hell out of each other in the middle of the night?"

Midoriya shrank under his stare. "W-We weren't thinking—"

"That much is obvious," Shota cut him off coldly. "This wasn't just reckless. It was disrespectful. To the school, to your classmates, and to the teachers who have been trying to prepare you to be better than this."

Bakugo's scowl deepened, but he didn't interrupt.

"You two have been acting like you're the only ones dealing with the weight of what's happened," Shota continued, his gaze piercing. "But let me make something clear: everyone is struggling. Everyone is doing their best to move forward, and everyone has to live with what's happened. That includes both of you."

Midoriya flinched, shame clear on his face.

Shota let out a slow breath before delivering his verdict. "You're both getting punishment."

Midoriya immediately straightened. "I understand."

"Yeah, whatever," Bakugo muttered, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Shota ignored his attitude for now. "Midoriya, you'll be doing three days of cleaning duty around the dorms and assisting the staff with any tasks they assign you."

Midoriya nodded without hesitation. "Yes, sir."

Shota then turned to Bakugo. "And you, Bakugo—you'll be doing four days of cleaning duty."

Bakugo's eye twitched. "Tch. Why do I get more?"

"Because you started this fight," Shota said bluntly. "And because I don't feel like dealing with your attitude."